Charity clay shoot

We would firstly like to discuss the matter of the shoot.

This was a charity clay shoot which we have been running successfully on many occasions for the past 30 years with no disruption or complaints; raising thousands of pounds for numerous causes.

The organisers of the charity clay shoot would like to thank the volunteers for all their help and for setting up the stands on the Saturday.

Unfortunately this year in the early hours of Sunday, June 16, between 2am and 3am the equipment that had been set up was stolen.

This year’s shoot, as with previous ones, raised a substantial amount of money. The amount raised this year will be for the air ambulance, St Michael’s Hospice and Storridge Church.

The shoot organisers ensure all necessary procedures are followed and notifications given to the relevant organisations eg; Police and the British Association for Shooting and Conservation.

Secondly with regard to Mr Bee walking “the footpath”, we would advise him to consult a map to ensure he knows the correct route to walk.

He would then be able to see that there is not a “network” of public footpaths in this particular field.

No course of footpath was altered or blocked as stated in Mr Bee’s letter.

The shooting line was approximately 50 yards from the public footpath, shooting in the opposite direction (not over the footpath as Mr Bee stated), any walkers would not be in any danger as the would be well behind the line of the guns.

The trap operators, who also act as stewards, at each end of the line could clearly see if anyone approached on the footpath from either direction.

Last but not least, with regard to the general use of footpaths, during the year there are hundreds, with no exaggeration, of organised and non-organised walkers using the correct route of footpaths on this land, all of whom have respect for the land and the livestock on it by following the Countryside Code – in general anyone taking a dog on a right of way is responsible for keeping it under proper control.

If a dog is allowed to run around off the path, trespass is committed against the holder of the land.

There is no rule requiring a dog to be kept on a lead on a right of way but it is an offence to allow a dog to be at large in a field or enclosure in which there are sheep (Protection of Livestock ) Act 1953). It is also an offence to allow a dog to attack or chase livestock.

With regard to the maintenance of stiles, the landowner is only responsible for ensuring the stile is in a safe condition.

The highway authorities are responsible for the maintenance of rights of way.

May we just add that it is unfortunate that not all newcomers are aware or appreciate the ‘country way of life’!

In conclusion, Mr Bee, we hope that you do not require any assistance from one or more of the charities we contributed to.

Thank you for bringing this to our attention and hope we have clarified any misconceptions.

JENNI HORNE Charity Clay Shoot secretary